A Regular monthly meeting was held on Wednesday, February 10, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Village Hall, 8892 South Street.
Present were: Mayor Jean B. Saroodis
Trustees: Swim, Lukins, Hinman, (Perkins – absent)
Also present: Jimmy Saroodis, Superintendent of Public Works, Susan Lamphere, Clerk; Diane Scheufele, Treasurer; Greg Gilfus, Police; David Fulkerson, Paul Goodrich, Edgar Michalak, Steven Mossotti and Jeff Mills, ATV Club members; Jeremy Meyer, George Fay
Mayor Saroodis called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the Pledge to the Flag.
Trustee Lukins, made the motion, seconded by Trustee Swim, all ayes to approve the meeting minutes of January 13th and February 3rd 2010.
CORRESPONDENCE:
VISITORS:
At the January meeting the Board requested Paul Goodrich and Jeff Mills of the ATV Club to attend the Village Meeting in February to answer questions in regards to the intended trail use, before signing the Consent Form as requested by the Club. Members of the Club were present to explain they are seeking permission to use the trail on Village property by the Department of Public Works compound up to Kwik Fill gas station where they park and walk across to DB’s to eat. Additional they are asking to travel on Becker Road to connect to Town of Brutus property. A letter of approval from Walter Becker and Linda Simmons was presented stating they had no problem with the Club using Becker Rd. Trustee Lukins, seconded by Trustee Swim, made a motion, all ayes to have the Mayor sign the consent form to use Village property in the Earl Street compound area but to submit a new map showing a route of travel intended on Becker Rd.
The Board read the Fire Chief’s report. The Department answered 73 alarms for the month of January. The expected delivery date for the tanker is mid August. Tammy Harmon and George Fay have been elected in as First Aid members and Jeremy Meyer was elected as a Fire Department member. Brandon Magill has successfully completed his EMT class.
POLICE
The Board read the monthly Police report. Officer Gilfus asked the Board if they would co-sponsor a Bike Rodeo sometime in the spring by splitting the cost of T-shirts and snacks with the Fire Department to make kids in the area aware of bicycle safety. Officer Gilfus explained the “Eat Well, Play Hard” grant received would supply helmets for those children attending. Trustee Hinman made the motion, seconded by Trustee Swim, all ayes to approve holding this event at the Trolley Park Pavilion and to share the cost of T-shirts and snacks.
JUDGE
The Judges Report was reviewed. The Judge wanted the Board to be made aware that in 2008 the total receipts for traffic fines collected was $71,643.84. In 2009 the total was $133,078.16. Approximately 72% of charges brought before the Court are by the Weedsport Police Department. Judge Fritsch thanked the Police Department for the good job they are doing.
BUILDING INSPECTOR
The Board read the 2009 Annual Report and the Monthly report of the Building/Zoning Officer. Mayor Saroodis discussed the state of the partially demolished garage located at 8785 S. Seneca Street. The Attorney will be asked to send a letter telling the owner this safety hazard must be completely removed within 10 days or a citation to appear in court will be issued.
Heather Warren, Land Surveyor; was contacted to resurvey the extension of the sewer line and include the manhole behind David and Amanda Fulkerson’s house at 2658 Watson Street to be added to the map. The updated survey map was presented to the Board and to Mr. and Mrs. Fulkerson to review. The Attorney will be instructed to contact Attorney Contigulia to see where we stand with the sewer easement.
Superintendent Saroodis informed the Board he has the signs
and accessories for Village Heights. Progress at the Wastewater Treatment Plant
is moving along good, they are eleven days ahead of schedule. The tank should
be in use by April 1, and the completion date for the construction at the WWTP
is September 15, 2010. The entrance sign to the Village on Route 31 has been
demolished by a snowmobile. The Superintendent is trying to get a name of who
did it so a bill can be sent. The sign cost $300.00.
CLERK REPORT
The Clerk reminded the Board of the Public Hearing to be held, Thursday, February 11, in regards to the survey sent out by Thoma to apply for grant monies through a renewal application for HUD monies. The Cayuga County Health Department sent notice the Annual Water Quality Report is due. This will be mailed in the May water/sewer bill. The candidates for this year’s election are Ray Swim, Trustee, 4-year term and Chris Lukins, Trustee, 4-year term.
Trustee Hinman made a motion, that the Village approves using Election Inspectors and Alternates that live outside the Village but within Cayuga County should the need arise. Every effort will be made to use Village residents as inspectors if possible. Trustee Swim, seconded this motion, all present voted aye.
Attorney Thurston reviewed the Workplace Violence Policy and felt it was okay as presented. Trustee Hinman, made the motion to adopt this policy and to appoint Greg Gilfus and Susan Lamphere as the contact people to file complaints. Trustee Lukins, seconded this motion, all present voted aye. The policy is as follows:
The Village of Weedsport is committed to the safety and security of our employees. Workplace violence presents a serious occupational safety hazard to our agency, staff, and clients. Threats, threatening behavior, or acts of violence against employees, visitors, guests, or other individuals by anyone on Village of Weedsport property will be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action will be taken, including summoning criminal justice authorities when warranted. All employees are responsible for helping to create an environment of mutual respect for each other as well as clients, following all policies, procedures and program requirements, and for assisting in maintaining a safe and secure work environment.
This policy is designed to meet the requirements of NYS Labor Law 27b and highlights some of the elements that are found within our Workplace Violence Prevention Program. The process involved in complying with this law included a workplace evaluation that was designed to identify the workplace violence hazards our employees could be exposed to. Other tools that were utilized during this process included establishing a committee made up of management and Authorized Employee Representatives who will have an ongoing role of participation in the evaluation process, recommending methods to reduce or eliminate the hazards identified during the process and investigating workplace violence incidents or allegations. All employees will participate in the annual Workplace Violence Prevention Training Program.
The goal of this policy is to promote the safety and well being of all people in our workplace. All incidents of violence or threatening behavior will be responded to immediately upon notification. The Village of Weedsport has identified response personnel that include a member of management and an employee representative. If appropriate, the Village of Weedsport will provide counseling services or referrals for employees.
All Village of Weedsport personnel are responsible for notifying the contact person designated below of any violent incidents, threatening behavior, including threats they have witnessed, received, or have been told that another person has witnessed or received.
This policy is adopted and effective February 10, 2010.
DESIGNATED CONTACT PERSON/PERSONS:
NAME: Greg Gilfus PHONE#
730-7232
NAME: Susan Lamphere, Clerk PHONE# 834-9426
CLASSIFICATION CHANGE TO 2803 E. BRUTUS ST.
The Village Attorney reviewed the request to change the classification on property owned by George Chester at 2803 E. Brutus Street from “Aged home” #663 to “Residential #210. Attorney Thurston stated the assessor could change the records, however the Village should request Mr.Chester put his request for this change in writing. Mr. Chester will be contacted.
TREASURER REPORT
The Treasurer informed the Board that $11,804.90 was released from the Letter of Credit as the Kyle’s paid $9,804.90 for Chatfield Engineer billings and $2000. for the street signs. This leaves $13,000.84 in the Letter of Credit ($10,000 for road repairs and the remaining punch list items of $3000.) The Village received Workers Compensation refunds from Cayuga County totaling $2,988.63 calculated by RG Wright Agency for 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. The Comptroller’s approval for the second debt exclusion request for the Wastewater Treatment Project in the amount of $6,352,845 was received.
The Town Board has requested the Village to consider a change to the amount of service fees charged to the four residents on E. Rude Street in the Town. Currently the Village charges four service charges for water and four service charges for sewer. The Town reads four meters to determine the charges, and the Village only reads one meter. After a discussion Trustee Lukins made the motion, seconded by Trustee Hinman, all ayes to charge one service fee of $30.00 for water service and continue with charging four service fees for sewer at a rate of $108. per house. Sewage from the four homes will flow into the plant to be treated and disposed of and the sewer charge helps to maintain sewer lines. These changes will be reflected in the May water/sewer bill.
Trustee Hinman made the motion, seconded by Trustee Swim, all ayes, to approve the following change orders:
MA Bongiovani – change orders totaling $17,424
Daniel J. D’Amico Plumbing – change orders totaling $2,813.70
MEC Electric – change order of $3,215
Trustee Hinman made the motion, seconded by Trustee Swim, all ayes, to pay the following bills:
A Fund voucher #494-545 totaling $76,574.83
F Fund voucher #159-170 totaling $18,299.40
G Fund voucher #159-171 totaling $3,604.52
HI Fund voucher #19-21 totaling $349,702.83
Trustee Lukins made the motion to approve the following budget transfers, Trustee Hinman seconded this motion, all present voted aye.
Debit A1990400 Contingency $333.34
Credit A1420.400 Attorney – Contractual $333.34
Debit A1940.410 NYSEG (Becker) $179.06
Credit A1620.410 Buildings- NYSEG $179.06
Debit A5142.100 Snow removal, Pers $301.27
Credit A5142.400 Snow removal – Contr $301.27
Debit A8189.200 Recycling – Equip $735.77
Credit A8189.410 Recycling – NYSEG $735.77
Debit A3089 State Aid – Other $7,500.
A7140.400 Parks – Contractual $3,417.16
A8189.200 Recycling – Equipment $1,464.19
Credit A7140.200 Parks – Equipment $12,381.35
NEW BUSINESS:
CAYUGA COUNTY PLANNING BOARD
Trustee Swim made the motion, seconded by Trustee Lukins, all ayes, to appoint Chester Dziergas to continue to serve on the Cayuga County Planning Board for the period of one year.
The Town of Brutus submitted a proposed amendment to their Zoning Law to regulate Small Wind Energy Systems within the Town of Brutus. A Public Hearing will be held on March 8, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. at the Town.
At last months meeting, the Board was given copies of a sample “Stray Cat Law” to review. Discussion was held on this issue. Trustee Lukins requested that “nuisance” be defined in the sample law, and enforcement issues were discussed.
Trustee Swim made the motion, seconded by Trustee Hinman all ayes to approve the Mayor to sign the following annual contracts for 2010:
TRANSPORTATION PROJECT (SCAV Van) in the amount of $1500.00.
OLD BRUTUS HISTORICAL SOCIETY in the amount of $2,000.00.
WEEDSPORT FREE LIBRARY in the amount of $16,500.
CLARK-HECK AMERICAN LEGION POST in the amount of $1,000.00.
BRUTUS RECREATION COMMISSION in the amount of $3,800.00.
Discussion was held on the Town of Brutus request for the Village to provide water for the proposed Water District #8. The area for service is Cottle, Jericho, Bonta Bridge and East Brutus Street Roads. The Board stated they could not supply water to this district due to the lack of pressure. The Village will supply the Town of Brutus with water for the current customers until the Town is able to upgrade the system.
Trustee Lukins made the motion, seconded by Trustee Hinman, all ayes to go into executive session to discuss an employee that has been out of work since August 2009. No decisions were made at this time. 8:30 p.m. – 8:50 p.m.
Attorney Thurston provided his comments on the mutual aid agreement. After a discussion of the Board, Trustee Hinman made the motion, seconded by Trustee Lukins, all ayes, that once all questions and concerns have been answered to the mutual satisfaction of the Board, the Mayor was approved to sign the Mutual Aid Agreement. This will be the topic at the Cayuga County Association of Villages on February 23, 2010, where final questions may be answered.
Trustee Hinman made the motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:15 p.m. Trustee Swim seconded this motion, all present voted aye.
Susan Lamphere
Village Clerk